Can you help fill a shoebox?

COLLECTING presents for Christmas may be the last thing on people’s minds in the middle of summer but not for one Central Reading church worker.

David Barnes is hoping to bring some festive cheer to children in the Amazon as part of his work with Carey Baptist Church.

He is soon heading off to Aysana, a village of around 120 people, about five hours down river from Iquitos in Peru, armed with shoeboxes packed with donated Yuletide gifts for the children.

Many of his former colleagues at Reading Crown Court, where he worked for nearly two years until February this year as a jury officer, as well as barristers and jurors, have rallied round with donations.

Mr Barnes is now appealing for more people to come forward with items such as pens and pencils, which the children lack, as well as fun stuff like small toys and games.

The 38-year-old, who will be out in Peru for four years carrying out missionary work, said: “I’ve been working in Peru since 1990 with the church and now I’m going to work in the jungle area.

“There are so many children that we felt a lot of love for and very needy children.

“Most important are school materials – their school year starts in March/April so this would really make their Christmas.

“All the gifts will be put to good use as there are children in other villages, children’s homes we’ve helped before and orphanages.”